Xavier Blogs: Season 2 Finale

June 27, 2009

First, let me say that it was a wonderful experience being able to communicate with all of you. It's not very often that this kind of outreach is possible. Plus, having the time to respond was a lot of fun too. If I didn't address any of you, my apologies. Between my dogs and other responsibilities, it's hard to respond to everyone; however, my heart and well wishes go to all of you!

Now, on to the point of this blog: Doc Halligan ... just kidding! But did you see her fun side in the highlights episode at 8PM? If you didn't, you better have DVR or Tivo! She sure was "animalisitic." Gotta love her. And those crazy groomers sure do know how to have fun. Bill does have a bit of wit about him. Seeing those moments, well, as Joey would put it, "...it even made the tinman smile."

So with Huber and Lisa, we probably have two of the strongest competitors left. At this stage, the cards could have fallen in any direction. Yet, who would have thought that they would have to directly deal with me? Now, I have worked with handling classes and I'm usually not this strict and impatient, but this was a "handling bootcamp." There are some "old school" judges who will not express it verbally, but their body language says it all when you don't have the dog under control and presented well. If you think that groomers are dramatic, wait until you see a dog show and the behind the scenes.

So, unfortunately we couldn't show you all of the different types of dogs the groomers dealt with in the quick sniff, but they had to handle some little dachshunds and they were cuties ... the dachshunds, not the groomers! It was really tough for me and I wanted to call a tie breaker with two spare dogs but we ran out of time thanks to the news helicopters of Los Angeles. Still, it was close enough to give Huber the win, but by the skin of his teeth. Both groomers have handling experience and sometimes you get a dog that will make a fool of you ... I know I did at a show last fall.

On to the grooming ... even though Huber had the leg up, he did have his own problems with the dogs he chose. Now, I just want to say in defense of Lisa, that the Irish Wolfhound was a bitch that just had a litter so her coat was going to be a difficult mess. Personally, I took that into consideration. As it was a blind judging, I knew that whomever got that dog would have a difficult time. I didn't care much for the work on the corded poodle, but any corded breed can be a challenge too. It was truly difficult for me and to be candid, I was dead down the middle with each dog, but like diving contests, it's a total calculation of the points of all judges. And, it was Huber who won.

Congratualtions, Huber. I'm jealous of you ... that Subaru Forester looks nice. Yet, let me be the first to say that Lisa is someone I would trust at any given moment with my dogs or the dogs I handle. I hold her with the utmost respect for the perfectionist she is. So, thank you for watching everyone! Don't forget to give your four-legged friends scratchies behind the ears ... and hopefully we will see you again for a season 3!

Xavier Blogs: Ep. 11 -- Cut!

June 20, 2009

And then there were three. At this stage, it's extremely difficult for us to send people home. We have to examine all aspects and to be candid, it only takes one slip of the shears or nick of the razor. I have to say that this was a fun quick sniff challenge. Shooting an instructional video is right up my alley since I have my own instructional videos, but it would've made the contestants even more nervous if both of us had been there.  Joey is a much more approachable guy than I am. Watching them freeze under the guise of the one-eyed monster was quite amusing because many of us have been there before and can relate completely. But when the videos were "in the can," it was Danielle who walked away with the win ... perhaps Groomer Has It can walk away with an Emmy!

Now, I love it when we throw pure bred dogs at the groomers! There are exact standards and everyone must do their best. What better dog to scissor than a Bichon Frise ... maybe a Black Russian Terrier? Regardless, the nice part of this challenge was that all of these dogs were retired champions. That translates into no excuses. So the groomers had to use their shears only, that is tough for some people. Wash, blow out, brush, comb, shear, comb out, brush and shear again.

Doing the walk-through on this episode was a bit of fun for me. I really love confidence and attention to detail. If you are confident, but not over-confident then you will pave your own way to success. Each groomer had their own set of challenges, but when they got to the judging room, we had to tear them apart. My fellow Bichon Frise Handler and friend, Joe Waterman was there to find those extra little details and I love just how much he knows about this breed.

When the hair settled, it was Lisa who won and her work was above and beyond the other two competitors! Her work was almost untouchable but we found a few items that could be adjusted. Unfortunately, we couldn't keep Danielle. It was a tough decision for all of us, but because Huber had the most difficult dog of the three and they both did an excellent job, we had to make a call. I hated to see Danielle go. You are an excellent groomer!

Now, on to the Final Two!

Xavier Blogs: Ep. 10 - Green on the Go

June 14, 2009

What do you know, the groomers actually have to do some exercise. This quick sniff challenge was quite a bit of fun. Making the groomers have to ride a bike to power their clippers is again, deliciously evil! I love it! If there is one thing we could all use (including myself) it's more exercise. Danielle was spot on with her taking the initiative on the bike. Spin class isn't easy, but she's no Lance Armstrong. Unless you are used to biking, running or any continuous high impact cardio routine, you aren't going to last. Why didn't we use the versaclimber (go on and Google it)?? Both teams were having a tough time, but it was Lisa and Huber who pulled it off. Good job!

Now the challenge: the groomers had to visit clients in the new "green" Wag'n Tails mobile grooming van. They each had to deal with cats and dogs, too bad it wasn't raining. For me, working with your clients, and not the four-legged kind, is part of the job. I've had some real show parents ... back seat handlers. What can you do? It's about managing expectations and mitigating the risks. You have to make judgment calls and determine what the opportunity costs are for each situation. For me, the goal is to finish the championship on the dog. But for the groomers, it's to deliver good service.

Beyond being late, with Bill and Danielle it came down to "who" did "what" portion of the dog. Bill is a talented groomer! But if Joey can't drop a comb through it, then there is a problem. If I screw up in the ring, then the onus is on me and in my case, the consequences are financial -- politics aside, of course.

So, it's down to Danielle, Lisa and Huber. This is getting tough! I have to say it wasn't easy for me to see Bill go. At this stage, it's all about respect and trying to pick out the slightest mistake.

Xavier
www.xavierasantiago.com

Xavier Blogs: Ep. 9 - Look-alikes

June 06, 2009

You know it's too bad I wasn't with the groomers during the quick sniff challenge. My family comes from three generations of Fox Hunting ... yes, I went there ... but we love the Hound Group. Basset Hounds remind me of nothing more than elongated miniature American and English Fox Hounds. What was brilliant was Victoria Stilwell. I know we would have a bit of fun whipping untrained dog owners into shape. Spin-off maybe? The twist of trying to identify their Basset Hounds in a sea of dogs was even more brilliant. After the dust settled, Lisa won a well-deserved makeover.

So on to the challenge. Who's my doppelganger? Thank God conformation is set to one basic standard and not trying to mimic the owners. Seriously though, how many owners actually look like their pets OR is it pets that look like their owners? I know Joey had a fun time with this. This was a tough challenge for me because I love to see what the groomers can creatively achieve, but I know that is not always possible with all of their backgrounds.

Personally, I think Bill had way too much fun with this challenge. He did a great job, but wow ... he really had fun. Now, I hate to say it, but I didn't want to see Cassandra go home for this one. Her human model was really a pain in the hind-quarters. What can you do though? It's a competition and curve balls come up all the time. Spunky Chick, good luck and groom on!

Xavier
www.xavierasantiago.com

Xavier Blogs: Ep. 8 - Rescue Me

May 30, 2009

Rescue me from the abyss. During the multiple times we've been to the shelters to rescue and work on dogs, I can never stand watching them being left behind. If it were within my power to rescue them all, I would, but I can't. Watching all of the remaining competitors work on their dogs really made smile. However, what could make you smile more than fellow dog-lover and comedian, Margaret Cho? You know, I would have had a hard time calling this one, but she had no problems choosing Huber.

So, on to the challenge. After 9/11, we were faced with a challenge unlike any other since the birth of our great nation. Lives were lost. Heroes were made. And we were re-defined. Heroes such as Roselle help people everyday, not just during pinnacle events. Cleaning rescue dogs was an exceptionally challenging event. Every time these groomers meet, they try to up the ante and not being able to clean up their four-legged friends with soap and water is quite difficult. Being on the show circuit, some times you are met with challenges that prevent you from using water in the amount that you require or desire. But these groomers stepped up to meet the needs.

I have to admit that Lisa really made it difficult for me. She always does a stand-up job and she did this time as well. Seeing Huber's face when he knew he was in the bottom was a bit heart-breaking, but it was all worth it when he learned that he, himself had been rescued. Really, how can we send someone home on a day like this?

So, to all of our fans and viewers, say a prayer for our heroes who wear the uniforms, four- and two-legged alike ... and take the time to help with your local rescue.

Xavier
www.xavierasantiago.com

Xavier Blogs: Ep. 7 - Piggies

May 23, 2009

Well, it looks like it's time shed some unwanted fat from the remaining contestants. And that's when things got interesting. When they carted off the groomers to a pot-bellied pig ranch, I couldn't stop laughing. A little known fact is that I am just as comfortable on a farm, as I am in the city. Having worked on clippering (is that actually a verb now?) a horse, I am sure I would have had a fun go at the pigs. They can be right stubborn with you, but they are highly intelligent. Some people have started using them as assistance animals, but that's a different program.

Watching the groomers struggle to bathe and clip the pigs was hysterical. Part of me wanted to see one of the groomers take a dive into the mud. When the suds were wicked away and the pigs were squeaky clean, it was Marco and Lisa who won. And what did they win? A training session in kick-boxing (they should come to my dojo, now there is an idea). Hmmm, what to make of the comments during their training session? In any case, after their kick-boxing session, they got down to grooming.

In this challenge, the groomers had to remove some unwanted pounds from their four-legged clients. The fun part was that Marco and Lisa got to take away 15 minutes from a competitor of their choosing. Lisa hit Huber and Marco got Cassandra. Talk about some rivalry. I don't know what it was, but Huber didn't seem to be as fazed as Cassandra was. Life always throws you challenges. A dog jumps into a puddle 10 minutes before ring time; someone steals your grooming bag; the dog just doesn't want to be touched: all challenges. And we all define ourselves by the way we react. Huber seemed to find his zen moment and worked away, while Cassandra let it get the best of her. She did have a bigger dog, but I think if she had just focused and centered herself a bit more, she could have truly stepped above and beyond her own expectations and ours.

Marco on the other hand, well, I am going to side with Joey on this one and reiterate that it was a grooming Titanic. It isn't always how bad you perform, but who performs worse and in this case Marco missed the mark. Yet one thing I do want to say is that Marco is obviously a competent groomer and savvy business man. At his age, to have the success he has garnered is impressive. But, like a dog show, you can be Best in Show one day and dumped the next.  And that's what happens when you compete. Good luck to everyone on the next round!

Xavier
www.xavierasantiago.com

Xavier Blogs: Ep. 6 - Old Dog, New Tricks

May 16, 2009

Well, well ... now we are starting to see who has it and who doesn't. After the elimination of Jessica last week, many of the groomers feel they can get down to business, but just how well are they going to do? It's always interesting to see how people perform under pressure and with this quick sniff challenge, it was obvious this gauntlet would be no different. YARN DOGS!  Talk about tough. And who else would be judging but my favorite cohort, Joey Villani. He's a tough judge but an even tougher teacher ... someone after my own heart.

So the groomers had to teach young students how to trim and scissor their yarn dogs, but without the hands-on approach (how deliciously evil). At the end of the challenge, some survived, others did well, but when the hair settled, it was Bill that won ... and his leg up would put all the other groomers at a significant disadvantage. He won immunity.

For the elimination challenge, the groomers set out to transition elder dogs into pretty pooches. Shaving some years off is something we'd all love to do. Funny enough, it's Janice Dickinson who would guide us in determining what a makeover of a senior dog should be, well not entirely, but she definitely offered her honest opinion. Working with her was quite a bit of fun. I always like someone who cannot only deliver a good joke but can take one as well!

So, who really performed well? Personally, I felt that each of the groomers performed adequately, but at this level, adequate doesn't cut it. This challenge was tough for everyone. When you deal with an older dog, it can present many challenges, including joint problems, eye/ear problems and overall cantankerous temperaments. What you saw is pretty much what we went through ... except for Janice and I picking at each other (it was all in good fun, gotta love her).

Now when we had Cassandra, Vanessa and Bill in the bottom three, all of us were quite serious that we would have sent Bill home. Did he not perform well because he knew he couldn't go home? I don't think it was entirely that reason. We all let down our guards subconsciously when we know we're safe. After all is said and done, greatness is only achieved when you risk everything. So, I look forward to Bill placing more on the line in the future, and Cassandra as well.

As for Vanessa, it's tough to send someone home who cares so much for animals!  Vanessa, it was great meeting you and seeing your love for dogs ... and Dinah, my malamute, sends her furry fondness!

Xavier
www.xavierasantiago.com

Xavier Blogs: Ep. 5 - Tying the Knot

May 09, 2009

I'm not sure what to say about these competitors, but really? Are you serious?? During the quick sniff challenge, they had to create top knots ... and who was judging? None other than Artist Knox. Enough said! It was nice to see the confidence he now has and I look forward to watching his new show next Saturday.

Danielle, Marco, Cassandra and Lisa took the win in the quick sniff, but it wouldn't be Groomer Has It without a twist! Since Danielle won last week's elimination challenge with the vac-clipping, she had the option to change the teams around, and she definitely did! Unfortunately, you all didn't get to see the judges walk-through this week, but I have never seen such a lack of communication from both teams ... some more than others. One team in particular was bickering right in the middle of my questioning. Really?? At least dysfunctional teams hide it ... but I digress.

The Scottie team, luckily, had Lisa ... talk about a gift from God. If anyone knows their stuff about hand-stripping and terriers, it's Lisa. Personally, I was excited to see what she could produce. Danielle made the right call having Lisa on her team. The only bad part was that the bride kept misbehaving with Huber. This team did have their moments and inconsistencies. There were some issues with blending and uniformity, but only slightly. We have to be picky at the end of the day, but they really achieved some nice results overall. If I ever have to go into the terrier ring and need a second set of eyes ... Lisa would be the one I would look for!  Scottie team, send a shout out to Lisa.

Now, the Westie team couldn't seem to get their act together. At first they decided on trying to stick to confirmation standards, but they didn't have the coat to do it. So, they switched to a pet trim, but their only notion of uniformity was really the lack of any. When ever you work as a team, you must communicate and clearly at that. Nonetheless, when they entered the judging room, they pulled it together but not enough for the win.

Out of all of the groomers, Jessica tried to usurp control from Marco. If I've learned anything, it's that you don't make waves unless you can captain the ship. Jessica failed with her groom and with trying to lead. It's a shame, but this is a competition.

We'll see what happens next week. In the meantime, those in the New York, New Jersey or Connecticut areas, I will be campaigning dogs at the Atlantic Shore Memorial Weekend Classic Dog Show in Freehold, NJ the weekend of May 23. Hope to see you there!

Also, I recently met up with many of the groomers at Intergroom and the first of many clips are up for your viewing pleasure. Click here to watch Vanessa try to "read" my Malamute, Dinah and tell me what you think!

Xavier
www.xavierasantiago.com

Xavier Blogs: Ep. 4 - The Cutting Edge

May 02, 2009

With each week, another groomer goes home in defeat. When everyone saw Sherri go home, it really knocked the groomers down a notch. She took a risk and it didn't please the client. The irony is that Artist took the same risk and it worked for him, but that final challenge of Season 1 didn't involve clients' opinions. Still, we move on to our next dog.

Now, I love how the groomers have to gain a leg up by creating a product that doesn't exist. I really thought Marco and his team were going to pull it off, but he missed the basic rule of one of my mentors, "Shut up, listen and learn." He missed the basic instructions and that cost him and his team the win. I still liked his product, even if it didn't fall within the parameters of the challenge. This mistake allowed Lisa's team to pull through and win the challenge, earning them a consultation with one of my favorite people, Teri DiMarino, in the elimination challenge.

Ah, the elimination challenge ... vacuum clipping!  This individual challenge with poodle-mixes really was geared to separate the bathers from the groomers. Each of the dogs were equal in difficulty, which translates to heavy matting. You have to remove the mats before you start vacuum clipping. If you don't do that, you will fail. It seemed everyone had a tough time, including Lisa. She usually doesn't have a tough time with any dog but this challenge brought back some major anxiety for her. Bill also had some major difficulties with blending and balancing and the dematting. Huber, although he wasn't addressed much, also felt this challenge shook his confidence.

If you are going to compete at anything, you must have some basic working knowledge of the tools of your trade. "Chance favors the prepared mind!" In the end, it was Danielle who took the win. She did a great job and it was definitely evident.

Unfortunately, Krista couldn't escape the jaws of fate from the "Pitbull in Prada." She nicked the dog twice in the sanitary area and completed a poor groom. We all know how I feel about hurting a dog and there are some instances where it is inevitable, but not in this case. There was no denying that when she nicked, she would be clipped!

Until next time, the stakes rise and we'll see which Groomer Has It!

Xavier
www.xavierasantiago.com

Xavier Blogs: Ep. 3 - Deep Breaths

April 26, 2009

Well, this episode definitely had some fun twists to it. All of the contestants had to learn how to massage dogs, but not just any dog ... Jack Russell Terriers. Now, this breed is full of energy! I don't think I've ever seen a laid back Jack. Personally, I wouldn't have wanted to do this challenge with a toy or terrier breed, but all of the contestants were good sports about it. At the end of the day, Marco and Huber won the challenge and got to have a visit at a spa ... I don't think I've been to a spa ... ever! Of course, I love the way they rub it in when they return to the doghouse ... so deliciously evil.

Now, on to the elimination challenge where the groomers are pitted against new and difficult clients. Talk about tough! I don't mind having an assistant ring-side, but talk about back-seat grooming. Either you work well together or you don't. Now, because Marco and Huber won the quick sniff challenge, they got extra time with their client to discuss the progress and wishes of their client, Ms. Fern. I loved her comment, "I just want him to look groomed." Brilliant! What groomer hasn't heard that before? Still, he looked a little dumpy due to the way his legs bowed in. Nonetheless, it wasn't enough of a detraction for Fern or us to knock Marco or Huber out.

Lisa and Bill had little old Savage. The way they worked together was outstanding. Bill's idea of holding the picture in his teeth was hysterical, but completely innovative. In the end, it took this little adjustment and their grooming job to put them in for the win.

Oh, the singing; oh the insanity! When Krista and Vanessa had to sing to their dog, Roswell, it was, well, a bit traumatic. I am no professional singer, but find a pitch...are they Billy Idol trying to match that pitch? Then again, they sang the entire time, which is what the client asked for. Still, if I had to listen to that, I think I would've chewed through my leg ... just kidding!

Jessica and Sherri had to make their client's dog look masculine but not butch, cute but not feminine ... talk about specific. They did a good job on the dog, it wasn't perfect, but it was done well enough. Only they colored the dog! You don't do that with a first time client ... if they had won the advantage of extra time with their client and he approved, then fine. It was ballsy, gutsy and all the things I respect, but you can't use color without the consent of the owner.

Sherri has my utmost respect! Unlike so many people, she owned up to her mistake and took full responsibility. You have my respect Sherri, and Dinah's (my Alaskan Malamute) too, even if it meant you went home!

Xavier

www.xavierasantiago.com